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Tobacco Smoke Exposure Increases Chronic Disease in Children

In July, a commentary in the journal Pediatricsdiscussed several new studies that have increased our knowledge of the association between tobacco smoke exposure and childhood morbidity and mortality. Collectively, these new reports demonstrate that in several categories of chronic childhood illness (asthma, obesity, and mental health disorders) there are small-to-moderate independent associations with tobacco smoke exposure either during pregnancy or in the postnatal period. A moderate association with tobacco smoke and dental caries (cavities) in children was also reported. One study found an association between smoke exposure of pregnant women and subsequent childhood overweight in offspring. What was especially significant about the latter study was the fact that it was conducted in pregnant women who did NOT smoke but were exposed to smoke from the father. Studies looking at mothers who smoke continue to show an association to their children’s mental health status that affects their children’s ability to participate in social activities and make friends.